The World's Highest Mountains

At 8,611m, the second highest mountain is the world's most technically difficult major peak. Nicknamed "The Savage Mountain," it has a fatality rate of roughly one death for every four successful summits.

At 8,586m, the third highest mountain rises on the Nepal-India border and is considered sacred by local peoples. The first ascent was in 1955; the summit itself was left unstepped as a mark of respect for local tradition.

At 8,516m, Lhotse is so close to Everest that the two peaks share the same South Col approach route. Its sheer south face is considered one of the most dramatic in the Himalayas.

At 8,485m, this isolated pyramid-shaped peak in Nepal is famous for its extreme difficulty at altitude. Its four sharp ridges create technical challenges absent on the more popular 8,000m peaks.

At 8,188m, Cho Oyu on the Nepal-Tibet border is considered the easiest 8,000m peak to climb, making it a frequent stepping stone for Everest aspirants. It was first climbed in 1954 via its northwest face.

At 8,167m, this massive Himalayan peak stumped explorers for nearly a century before its first ascent in 1960. For 30 years after its discovery in 1808, it was believed to be the highest mountain in the world.

At 8,163m, this Nepalese peak was first climbed by a Japanese expedition in 1956. Manaslu means "Mountain of the Spirit" in Sanskrit, and the trail that circles its base is one of the world's great trekking routes.

At 8,126m, this Pakistan peak earned the grim title "Killer Mountain" — it has one of the highest fatality rates of all 8,000m summits. Its Rupal Face is the highest rock face on Earth at nearly 4,600m vertical.

At 8,091m, Annapurna was the first 8,000m peak ever climbed (1950) and has the highest fatality-to-summit ratio of any 8,000m mountain — roughly 32% of all those who attempt it do not return.